[vecca]

Hi everyone.

I don't have a Ferrari yet, but I am seriously looking. I have had a GT3 and a AM Vantage V8 in the past. Time for an F-car.

I plan on keeping this one for quite a while, so I want to make sure I get the right car. At the moment, I'm leaning towards the following cars in this order:

Challenge Stradale
F430
360
355

I realize that those cars vary in price significantly, which is part of the problem... Champagne taste with a beer budget.

But the search itself is half the fun.

Thanks,

[wetpet]

although i really like the challenge stradale, i think the f430 would be the best all around choice for your first ferrari. Of course everyone is different and i suggest driving both if you can. YMMV

[Kurby69]

Welcome to FLife Chris... Good luck with your search, no matter the choice you will be happy!!!!

[360 Modena]

Welcome Chris, make sure to check out the FL Buyer's Guide and ask us about a specific car when you narrow your search. Each car has different handling characteristics, so try to test drive as many of the models as you can

I like the brute force of the TR, the cacophony of music the engine produces, feedback while driving, and the aggressive muscle car like stance. It is totally opposite of the driving experience I also enjoy with the 360 which, in one word, is more "civilized." Hence I own and drive both because they are so different.

Perhaps you may your sights on two totally different models like the 355 and 430? Both are great cars. If it were me, I'd get a 355 spider esp. because you reside in sunny SoCal.

[Granucci]

Welcome: 430 has my vote. Some will chime in on 430 vs AM.

[tazandjan]

Chris- Welcome to Ferrari Life. Good luck on finding the perfect car. Most of us have been where you are. I sold a 69 911S and financed the rest when I bought my Dino 246 in 1975. Keep us appraised on how the search is going.

[StefVan]

Very welcome to you Chris. I hope that the different threads and posts will help you making up your mind. Budget is one thing but I would advice to test drive all 3 and make up your mind. I had the 355 and now the 430 but never had a 360. Between the 355 and the 430, there is a huge difference. I loved my 355 but unfortunately, had many issues and got stranded quite often. But it doesn't mean that all 355's have reliability issues far from it. I think mine was a bad number. The 430 although has been very reliable and now have passed the 50.000km/31.000miles. This car is getting better the more miles I put on it. If you like manuals, I would highly advice to test a manual F430. There is lots to say and I can't resume it in a couple of lines so please, don't hesitate to post or ask Enjoy FL

[360 Modena]

+ 1 on the manual stick shifts unless you are planning on doing some serious "racing."

[vecca]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I tend to like "unique" cars, that's why I am leaning towards the CS. That and because it is a little more raw. I loved the way my GT3 drove, but hated the wing.

The Vantage was stunning to look at, but felt heavy and underpowered. They both had amazing sound tracks though.

Even though I'm in So. Cal, I'm going to get a Berlinetta. I prefer the lines. I'm also leaning towards the 6 speed manual. (I know it's not an option on the CS)

FL seems like a great community. Hope I can add to it.

Thanks again,

[Barry]

Welcome to FL Chris
That's a nice list of V8 potentials to choose from. If its not too personal a question to ask, what kind of budget are you working from? That will have a great bearing on your eventual choice (or choices!).

I owned an Aston V8 Vantage for a couple of years whilst owning the 360. I still have the 360, and will never sell it. I think that says it all .

Any of your shortlist will be wonderful F Cars.... happy hunting

[vecca]

Thanks Barry. I suppose my budget is "flexible". Realistically, I'm closer to the 355/360 budget. But my heart is pushing me towards the CS. I've driven the 430 most recently, and really like the power and torque increase, along with the enhancements that come along with a newer car.

That being said, I guess my order should be more like:

360 - Marginally more expensive than the 355, but seems like its worth the extra $
355 - Incredible sound. Most affordable, but more expensive to maintain.
430 - Newest of the bunch. Most power.
CS - No explanation necessary, but most money...

[Night Life]

Good choices for first Ferrari, if you want a little bit better reliability go 360. If you are looking for gorgeous Ferrari design then the 355, questionable maintenance though.

But if you have the means 430

[ALEX A]

Welome to the great site. If you need any help, please feel free to call or email
me. All the guys here are great and helpful.
Thanks
Alex.

[champagne612]

Welcome to FLife

Best of luck on your hunt for your first Ferrari.

Ask tons of questions - the level of knowledge here is crazy.

[bgmix]

Welcome!

[Andrew]

Chris, welcome to Ferrari Life. Let us know how we can help and what questions we can answer. Best of luck on the journey to owning your first f-car.

[voila]

Originally Posted by wetpet

although i really like the challenge stradale, i think the f430 would be the best all around choice for your first ferrari. Of course everyone is different and i suggest driving both if you can. YMMV

+1, the Challenge Stradale and f430 as first choice.

Between these, I would drive the f430 daily and have fun in the challenge stradale.

Enjoy !